PLAB 2 GMC Good Medical Practice & Professional Standards 2

Question 1

A doctor is asked to complete a sick note for a patient they have not examined. The patient states they are too unwell to attend the surgery. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Offer a telephone or video consultation to assess the patient before completing any documentation

Answer

Decline to issue a sick note unless the patient attends in person

Answer

Issue the sick note on the basis of the patient's account to avoid unnecessary delays

Answer

Ask a colleague to countersign the sick note to share responsibility

Question 2

Under GMC guidance, when is a doctor permitted to breach patient confidentiality without consent?

Accepted Answer

When disclosure is required by law, necessary to prevent serious harm to the patient or others, or in the public interest as defined by law

Answer

Whenever a senior colleague or manager instructs them to disclose information

Answer

When the patient is unable to consent and a family member requests disclosure

Answer

Only when the patient has died and the information is needed for research purposes

Question 3

A doctor becomes aware that they are experiencing significant stress and burnout that is affecting their ability to concentrate during clinical duties. What should they do first?

Accepted Answer

Seek support from their own GP or occupational health and consider whether their fitness to practise is affected

Answer

Continue working and manage the stress privately to avoid professional repercussions

Answer

Inform the GMC immediately before taking any other action

Answer

Ask a trusted colleague to supervise all their clinical decisions until they feel better

Question 4

What is the GMC's position on a doctor expressing personal beliefs to patients?

Accepted Answer

Doctors may hold personal beliefs but must not impose them on patients or let them affect the care they provide

Answer

Doctors are free to recommend treatments aligned with their personal beliefs provided they explain their reasoning

Answer

Doctors must not disclose any personal beliefs to patients under any circumstances

Answer

Doctors may decline any treatment they personally disagree with and are not required to arrange alternative care

Question 5

A doctor is asked to provide a reference for a former colleague who was subject to a conduct investigation that was ultimately not proven. What should the reference include?

Accepted Answer

The reference should be factually accurate, honest and not misleading, including relevant information about the investigation if directly relevant to the role

Answer

The reference should omit the investigation entirely as it was not proven

Answer

The doctor should decline to write the reference to avoid potential legal consequences

Answer

The doctor should include only positive aspects of the colleague's performance to maintain professional loyalty

Question 6

According to GMC equality and diversity guidance, how should a doctor approach a patient who holds views or a lifestyle very different from their own?

Accepted Answer

Treat the patient with the same respect and standard of care as any other patient, setting aside personal views

Answer

Decline to treat the patient and refer them to a colleague who shares their values

Answer

Treat the patient but document any personal reservations in the clinical notes

Answer

Provide care but suggest the patient seek a more culturally aligned healthcare provider in future

Question 7

A doctor is concerned that a patient may have been the victim of domestic abuse but the patient denies it and does not wish to discuss it. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes, document concerns sensitively in the notes, offer appropriate resources, and ensure the patient knows they can return

Answer

Immediately notify the police as a safeguarding concern overrides patient confidentiality in all domestic abuse cases

Answer

Do nothing further as the patient has denied abuse and their autonomy must be fully respected

Answer

Refuse to end the consultation until the patient acknowledges the concern